Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Updated November 27, 2023
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An online associate degree in healthcare administration prepares students to enter the growing healthcare industry. Healthcare administrators support medical care facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and retirement centers.
As members of the baby-boom generation reach retirement age, the healthcare field will likely continue to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of healthcare administration positions will increase 28% by 2032, a rate much faster than the national average for all occupations.
Graduates of online healthcare administration associate degree programs often secure positions supporting the daily operations of hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care centers, and clinics. These professionals create and manage budgets and develop strategies for increasing revenue.
Healthcare administrators need strong problem-solving and communication skills. They must also stay apprised of current and proposed healthcare legislation, and they need the technological skills to understand new databases and internet security measures.
Students earning an associate in healthcare administration online typically complete coursework in business management, accounting, and strategic planning principles. They also take major courses in areas such as healthcare laws, regulations, and ethics.
Many respected colleges and universities offer online healthcare administration associate degree programs to meet the growing demand for healthcare management professionals. Students in these programs generally complete online coursework and in-person, practical learning experiences supervised by healthcare professionals. In addition to pursuing healthcare administration roles in medical facilities, graduates are qualified to enter bachelor’s in healthcare administration programs.
The Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can pursue an associate in healthcare management at Florida Institute of Technology. Enrollees build their knowledge of the healthcare administration field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Graduates can apply their college credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Degree-seekers can access comprehensive college resources, including career counseling, academic advising, and financial aid assistance. They can also access virtual library services and academic tutoring.
The institution reports that 93% of all enrollees receive financial aid, and 36% receive student loans.
Florida Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Location: Melbourne, Florida
Admission Rate: 66%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $41,720
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $41,720
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#2 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Concordia University-Wisconsin, located in Mequon, boasts eight online associate programs, including its highly ranked associate of arts in healthcare management. Enrollees complete courses relevant to the healthcare management field, preparing them for their future careers. Graduates can apply their course credits toward future educational opportunities, such as a bachelor's degree.
Degree candidates can benefit from career services, academic advising, and other success-centered resources. Distance learners can further benefit from virtual services such as library access, writing workshops, and other academic tutoring.
Learners can explore numerous funding options, with 100% of enrollees receiving some form of financial aid and 55% opting for student loans.
Concordia University-Wisconsin at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Location: Mequon, Wisconsin
Admission Rate: 64%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $30,060
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $30,060
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#3 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Granite Falls, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Granite Falls, Minnesota West Community and Technical College boasts a highly ranked online associate in management and supervision in healthcare. The degree is among the school's 13 online associate programs. Enrollees complete foundational and advanced coursework. Students seeking further education can apply their credits to a bachelor's degree.
Degree-seekers can access career services, academic advising, and other success-centered resources. Distance learners can connect with virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources.
Online students can expect to receive an average of $5,441 in financial aid. Approximately 92% of all incoming students receive financial aid, with 24% receiving student loans.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Granite Falls, Minnesota
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,300
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $10,600
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#4 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Keiser University
West Palm Beach, FL - 2 years
- Campus
Learners can pursue an associate in health services administration at Keiser University. Degree candidates complete field-relevant courses, preparing them for their future careers. Typically, students can apply their associate degree credits toward future educational endeavors, like a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other support during their studies. The online learning community connects students with virtual library resources and academic tutoring.
Eligible enrollees can access internal and external funding opportunities. Degree candidates can also use student loans.
Keiser University at a Glance:
Type of School: Data not available
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Data not available
Undergrad Tuition In State: Data not available
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: Data not available
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#5 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Distance learners looking for a flexible online associate degree should consider Colorado Christian University. Students pursuing the school's associate in healthcare administration complete field-relevant courses, preparing them for their future careers. Graduates can pursue further study, such as a bachelor's degree, and apply their college credits toward a four-year institution.
A leader in student success, the college connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other resources. Distance learners benefit from virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources.
The institution reports that 100% of all enrollees receive financial aid and 49% receive student loans.
Colorado Christian University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Location: Lakewood, Colorado
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $23,502
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $23,502
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#6 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Point University
West Point, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in West Point, Georgia, Point University provides online education across 16 associate programs, including an associate of arts in healthcare administration. The program builds foundational knowledge in the field, preparing graduates for entry-level careers. Associate degree-holders can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Throughout the program, students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources. Distance learners benefit from virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources.
Enrollees benefit from financial aid, with 100% of learners receiving some form of funding.
Point University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Location: West Point, Georgia
Admission Rate: 29%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $20,085
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $20,085
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#7 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge, IA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Fort Dodge, Iowa Central Community College provides online education across five associate programs. One option includes an associate in health care administration. Degree candidates gain knowledge and industry-relevant skills through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. After graduation, students can apply their college credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Degree-seekers benefit from institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising. The average financial aid award, the college reports, is $4,516. According to the institution, 93% of all enrollees receive financial aid and 39% receive student loans.
Iowa Central Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,980
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,480
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#8 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Tyler Junior College
Tyler, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible associate degree? Consider Tyler Junior College's online associate in healthcare administration. Enrollees gain foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Graduates seeking to advance in study can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other success-centered resources. Other institutional resources include virtual library services and academic tutoring.
Students seeking to defray degree costs should know that the average enrollee receives $5,699 in financial aid awards. Most degree-seekers can expect to receive financial aid or loans, as 76% of enrollees get aid and 31% receive loans.
Tyler Junior College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Location: Tyler, Texas
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,160
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $2,736
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#9 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
New England College
Henniker, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
New England College supports eight online associate programs from its main campus in Henniker, New Hampshire. Enrollees pursuing the associate in healthcare administration gain foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the field. Degree-seekers complete coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Students can also transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year college.
Students can access numerous college resources such as career services and academic advising. The college supports its online learning community through online-specific resources, such as virtual library services and academic tutoring.
Of its enrollees, the college reports that 99% receive financial aid and 81% receive loans.
New England College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Location: Henniker, New Hampshire
Admission Rate: 100%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $24,555
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $24,555
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
#10 Best Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Guilford Technical Community College
Jamestown, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Jamestown, North Carolina, Guilford Technical Community College boasts a highly ranked online associate in medical office administration - healthcare administration. The degree is among the school's 12 online associate programs. Students benefit from a rigorous core curriculum, industry-relevant coursework, and experiential learning opportunities. Associate degree-holders can apply their course credits toward a bachelor's degree.
The college connects students with career services, academic advising, and other success-geared resources. Other resources available for distance learners include academic tutoring and virtual library services.
Online students can expect to receive an average of $4,588 in financial aid awards. The institution reports that 75% of all enrollees receive financial aid and 32% receive student loans.
Guilford Technical Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Jamestown, North Carolina
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,128
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,504
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Online Associate in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
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If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
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Healthcare Administration Associate Degree Salary Information
Earning a healthcare administration associate degree online prepares students to pursue support positions in healthcare facilities. Graduates often work with doctors and registered nurses as credentialing specialists and patient registration clerks. Others become insurance clerks, who help patients make medical claims and set up payment plans. Graduates can also enter roles as patient account representatives. Each of these entry-level positions can lead to higher-paying managerial roles.
- Credentialing Specialist:
- These specialists monitor medical professionals at hospitals and clinics by checking their professional credentials and ensuring they maintain licensure. Credentialing specialists advise professionals on licensure renewal and check the status of potential employees. This position may lead to higher management positions in credentialing.
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $35,000
- Mid-Career: $41,000
- Experienced: $43,000
- Late Career: $43,000
- Patient Registration Clerk:
- These professionals greet patients as they arrive and collect forms, documentation, insurance records, and copays. They also answer phone calls and emails, make patient appointments, and coordinate office scheduling.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $26,000
- Mid-Career: $29,000
- Experienced: $31,000
- Late Career: $31,000
- Insurance Clerk:
- Insurance clerks process medical insurance claims and liaise between insurers and patients. They also help organize and clarify claim rights, limitations, and payment plans.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $26,000
- Mid-Career: $30,000
- Experienced: $31,000
- Late Career: $30,000
- Medical Office Manager:
- Medical office managers work in doctors’ offices, overseeing day-to-day operations. They must have excellent communication, organization, and delegation skills.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $39,000
- Mid-Career: $41,000
- Experienced: $45,000
- Late Career: $49,000
- Patient Account Representative:
- These professionals work at hospitals and medical centers, answering patients’ billing questions. They collect payments, process claims, and work with insurance companies to provide information to patients.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $30,000
- Mid-Career: $33,000
- Experienced: $35,000
- Late Career: $38,000
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Healthcare Associate Degree Program
Prospective students should research programs to find the option that fits their career objectives. The growing number of online programs means learners have a variety of options and can often find a program that meets all their needs, including academic interests, budget, and lifestyle requirements.
In-state programs generally offer the most affordable tuition rates. However, some schools charge all online learners the same tuition rates, regardless of residency status. In addition to tuition rates, students should consider costs such as application fees, transfer credit fees, and graduation charges.
- Program Cost:
- This is the overall cost of the program, including tuition, registration, and administrative fees. Some schools offer a prorated fee for distance students, which can result in a reduced overall program cost. Program cost also includes technology fees for online students.
- Transfer Policies:
- Since many graduates of associate programs transfer to bachelor’s programs, learners should choose a school that offers easily transferable credits and degrees. Many associate programs maintain transfer agreements with local four-year institutions to ensure graduates can apply their associate degree to a bachelor’s program at the school.
- School Size and Type:
- School and program sizes impact classroom sizes and student-to-instructor ratios, which affect the learning atmosphere. Students in smaller programs often receive more individual attention, and program size can impact the availability of resources and funding. Students should also consider the respective benefits of public and private schools. Public schools receive government funding, but private schools often maintain smaller class sizes.
- Program Length:
- Degree completion time varies based on many factors, including enrollment status. Full-time students typically complete associate programs in two years, and part-time students generally take 3–5 years. Learners with busy personal and professional lives often take fewer classes per term and require longer to earn their associate degree.
- On-Campus Requirements:
- Students earning their healthcare administration associate degree online generally do not need to complete any on-campus requirements. However, some programs include mandatory on-campus orientations. Additionally, graduates who enter online bachelor’s programs in the field may need to visit campus for final exams or capstone presentations.
Accreditation for Online Healthcare Administration Associate Degrees
Accreditation is a crucial consideration when choosing a school. Accreditation demonstrates a school or program meets set standards of academic quality and prepares graduates for positions and further education in the field. Many institutions and employers only recognize degrees earned from accredited institutions, which means attending an unaccredited school may prohibit graduates from securing a job or earning admission into bachelor’s programs.
Schools can hold regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation being the oldest and most highly regarded. The U.S. Department of Education sanctions seven bodies to administer and monitor regional accreditation. For example, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges awards regional accreditation to northeastern schools, while the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools evaluates institutions in the southeastern part of the country, from Texas to Virginia.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges is a regional accrediting agency that evaluates community colleges. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation maintains a database of accredited institutions. Students can also look for programs with field-specific accreditation from agencies such as the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration?
The time necessary to earn an associate degree in healthcare administration online depends on several factors, including enrollment status and credit requirements. Full-time students generally take 4–5 courses per term and complete a 60-credit program in two years. To graduate more quickly, students can take 6–7 courses per term and earn their associate degree in 1.5 years.
Part-time students generally take 1–4 courses per term and require 3–5 years to graduate. Part-time enrollment is ideal for learners with personal or professional obligations, including students who work full time while earning their degree.
Courses in an Online Healthcare Administration Associate Program
Students completing paralegal degree programs online often take a combination of elective and core courses. Learners choose electives that fit their career goals, and core courses provide a foundation for effective legal practice. While course offerings vary by program, the classes below are common in most paralegal bachelor’s programs.
- English Composition:
- This introductory course covers the fundamentals of written and oral communication. Learners review grammar and paragraph structure, the fundamentals of writing a thesis, and elements of a multi-argument essay. Coursework also addresses the impact of tone and writing styles and how to tailor public memos and press releases.
- Medical Terminology:
- To manage patients, doctors, and insurance claims, healthcare administrators need a working knowledge of medical terms, including terms related to diagnoses and pharmaceutical treatments. Learners in this course study the structure of the human body, including muscular, digestive, respiratory, and neurological systems. Coursework also introduces major healthcare branches, such as oncology and radiology.
- Medical Office Management:
- Students explore processes within medical centers, including patient enrollment, medical history acquisition, physician diagnosis and treatment, and outpatient care. This course examines communications, safety procedures, and major technological systems in healthcare facilities.
- Health Records Management:
- Learners explore how patient records are constructed and protected. Coursework builds on basic office management skills to examine complex issues related to records management. Students learn about the processes behind ethical records acquisition, sharing, and storing, along with the legal responsibilities of healthcare facilities.
- Medical Coding:
- Medical coding involves the clear identification of medical procedures and the matching of treatments with appropriate claims reports. Students in this class explore the dominant healthcare claims systems and prepare to address practical patient claims and billing situations.
What Can I Do With a Healthcare Admin Degree?
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